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  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Lesotho – Martine Sobey [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Lesotho – Martine Sobey [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 June 2025.

    Mrs Martine Sobey has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Lesotho in succession to Mr Harry MacDonald who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Sobey will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Martine Sunshine Sobey

    Year Role
    2023 to present Abuja, Climate Change and Nature Team Lead
    2022 to 2023 BEIS-FCDO, Team Leader, Joint International Forests Unit
    2021 to 2022 BEIS, Team Leader Forests, Land Use and Carbon Markets
    2019 to 2020 BEIS, Bilateral Partnerships Lead, International Climate Finance
    2019 Joined Civil Service
    2017 to 2019 Rockefeller Foundation, Senior Manager – Africa Region
    2009 to 2017 Environment, climate and international development consulting roles
    2008 to 2009 King’s College London, Masters in Climate Change, Environment and Globalisation
  • NEWS STORY : Battle of Britain Pilot’s Grave Finally Identified After 85 Years

    NEWS STORY : Battle of Britain Pilot’s Grave Finally Identified After 85 Years

    STORY

    More than eight decades after he was lost in action, Flying Officer Philip Anthony Neville Cox’s final resting place has been confirmed in the Netherlands, and a rededication service was held at his grave yesterday. Cox, who flew with 501 Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force during the Battle of Britain, was originally buried as an unknown airman after his Hurricane failed to return from an operation over Dover on 27 July 1940. A body washed ashore a month later on the Dutch coast and was interred as “an unknown British Air Force Officer,” with only fragmentary details of his name and service number recorded. When wartime graves were consolidated into the Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery in 1946, those scant records were lost, leaving his plot unmarked by name for nearly 80 years.

    The Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC)—known informally as the MOD War Detectives—led the multi-year effort to uncover Cox’s identity. Collaborating with the RAF Air Historical Branch and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), researchers examined Dutch and German wartime archives and cross-checked survival and loss records. They discovered that although another serviceman named Cox had gone missing, only Flying Officer P.A.N. Cox matched the date and location of the crash, eliminating any doubt.

    Yesterday’s service at Bergen op Zoom was conducted by Reverend Jonathan Steward, station chaplain at RAF Odiham, who spoke of the emotional significance of finally engraving Cox’s name on his headstone. “Having his name forever written in stone is more than symbolic,” Reverend Steward said. “It shows our commitment to honour and commemorate his sacrifice, ensuring it will not be forgotten.” Family members from the UK were present alongside Dutch dignitaries and military representatives, witnessing the unveiling of a new Commonwealth War Graves headstone bearing Cox’s name and rank. A small military party stood in solemn tribute behind the marker, and wreaths were laid to mark the occasion.

    Born in Gloucestershire, Cox was noted in his RAF reports as a skilled pilot and accomplished sportsman, excelling in both fencing and soccer. He joined the Auxiliary Air Force in 1932 and quickly earned a reputation for dedication and bravery. His loss on that July day in 1940 came during a critical period of the Battle of Britain, when every pilot’s contribution was vital to the RAF’s defence against the Luftwaffe. Tracey Bowers, a caseworker with the JCCC, expressed gratitude for the tip that first pointed investigators toward the Dutch burial records. “This brave officer served his country for eight years,” she said. “Thanks to painstaking research, Flying Officer Cox will now be remembered by name, and his grave will be cared for by the CWGC in perpetuity.”

    Fergus Read, Commemorations Case Officer at the CWGC, noted that the identification process drew on sources that had never before been connected, including eyewitness accounts, crash-site reports, and local wartime documentation. “It was a privilege to play a part in establishing where this Battle of Britain pilot was laid to rest,” Read said. “The Commission will honour his memory and maintain his grave for generations to come.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : British Army to increase lethality over the next decade while Royal Navy steps up innovation in NATO [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : British Army to increase lethality over the next decade while Royal Navy steps up innovation in NATO [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 June 2025.

    British Army and Royal Navy to invest in innovative new programmes, through increased investment in drones and novel technologies to transform warfighting capability.

    The Government is ramping up investment in new and emerging technologies for the Army and Royal Navy to provide a major boost in lethality and the effectiveness of their military operations around the world, following the Strategic Defence Review.

    The Army ​will deliver a tenfold increase in lethality over the next ten years by harnessing firepower, surveillance technology, autonomy, digital connectivity, and data – leading the way in NATO in its use of technology to change how it fights, improving speed and accuracy.

    The Royal Navy will also ramp up new drone systems as part of an evolution in how it fights, moving towards a mix of crewed, uncrewed, and increasingly autonomous capabilities to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO.

    The Defence Secretary will outline the Government’s plan for the biggest transformation of the Armed Forces in memory and its approach to put NATO first during a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels today (Thursday).

    Following the Prime Minister’s commitment to the largest sustained increase to UK defence spending since the end of the Cold War, the Ministry of Defence will move to spending at least 10% of its budget on drones and novel technologies. This delivers on the government’s commitment to invest £5bn on new drone and laser weapon technology, supporting thousands of jobs around the country, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Key to increasing Army lethality will be the ability to rapidly find and strike enemy targets. Prioritisation of the ‘Digital Targeting Web’ will increase the pace and scale of change already being tested through Army initiatives like ASGARD, which is being delivered to British troops deployed with the NATO Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Estonia.

    In the last week, the government launched procurement for a new open framework to encourage defence companies to submit concepts for new digital systems that could be integrated into ASGARD. The aim is to exploit advanced technologies such as AI and uncrewed capabilities, enabling the development of advanced digital ‘Decision’ making on the battlefield.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    We will invest in technology to give our troops the edge in the battlefields of the future; transforming our Armed Forces and boosting our warfighting readiness.

    This will increase our lethality, provide a powerful deterrent to our adversaries, and put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO.

    We will back UK business to innovate at a war time pace; creating highly skilled jobs and fast-tracking the weapons of tomorrow into the hands of our warfighters, as part of our Government’s Plan for Change.

    The government’s Strategic Defence Review plan will commit the UK to step up on European security by leading in NATO, with strengthened nuclear, new tech, and updated conventional capabilities – learning the lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine.

    As part of our commitment to NATO, during his visit, the Defence Secretary will confirm for the first time that UK military liaison officers will join the development of NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) Finland. These officers will work with both Sweden, as the Framework Nation, and Finland as they develop FLF Finland – a vital component to strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence posture on the Eastern Flank.

    On the sidelines of the meetings, the Defence Secretary is expected to join defence ministers from Canada, Denmark, Norway and Poland who will sign a document to join the UK-led NATO Flight Training Europe project, that delivers a network of training campuses to train pilots for jet fighters, helicopters, and transport aircraft.

    To boost the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier operations, the government will invest in the cutting-edge of NATO capability—moving to have the first ‘hybrid’ carrier airwings in Europe, where the aircraft carrier’s F-35B jet fighters are complemented by autonomous collaborative platforms in the air and drones.

    The Navy is moving towards a “New Hybrid” fleet that exploits autonomy and uncrewed systems – along with conventional warships – for a mix of equipment and weapons. The UK’s Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are two of the most powerful warships the UK has ever built and, following the Strategic Defence Review, the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike programme will evolve into ‘hybrid’ carrier airwings, exploiting the latest technology to combine crewed and uncrewed platforms to make the carrier an even more potent form of deterrence.

    On major deployment to the Indo-Pacific, HMS Prince of Wales is heading up the Carrier Strike Group right now with uncrewed air systems onboard. In the future, the carriers’ crewed air wings will be further augmented with more uncrewed systems.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine’s Security is our Security. Only a Just Peace Can Secure Ukraine’s Future – UK Statement to the OSCE [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine’s Security is our Security. Only a Just Peace Can Secure Ukraine’s Future – UK Statement to the OSCE [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 June 2025.

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says that a sustained ceasefire is the quickest route to stop the killing. The UK supports ending the war in Ukraine through a just peace, while Russia obstructs progress.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. Last week, we discussed the Code of Conduct, including its stipulation that “In the event of armed conflict, they will seek to facilitate the effective cessation of hostilities and seek to create conditions favourable to the political solution of the conflict”.

    To that end, the UK shares President Trump’s desire to bring this war to an end, and will continue to work closely with the US, Ukraine and other international partners to secure a just and lasting peace.  We thank Türkiye for hosting talks in Istanbul, including earlier this week. This is a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent. Only a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its sovereignty will deter President Putin from further aggression in the future.

    As we have noted each week, Ukraine continues to show its commitment to peace: Its constructive engagement with US peace efforts at every turn; agreement in principle to a full and unconditional ceasefire; sending a senior and empowered delegation to Istanbul; and President Zelenskyy’s readiness to meet President Putin face to face.

    Russia, on the other hand, has taken steps to obstruct the pathway to peace.  President Putin continues to reject a complete, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire that President Zelenskyy endorsed nearly three months ago; refused to share his memorandum on terms for ending this illegal war in advance of Monday’s meeting; and rejected President Zelenskyy’s call for a direct meeting.

    We continue to call on Russia to agree a full and unconditional ceasefire to create the space for negotiations on a framework for a lasting peace.  A sustained ceasefire is the quickest route to stop the killing. Ukraine’s security is our security. UK support for Ukraine remains iron-clad, and our support will be sustained. Thank you, Madame Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 20 million workers set to benefit from new Pension Schemes Bill [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : 20 million workers set to benefit from new Pension Schemes Bill [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 June 2025.

    Millions of people across the UK will find it easier to manage and get more from their pensions thanks to the Government’s new Pension Schemes Bill.

    • The Pension Schemes Bill will tackle schemes delivering poor returns for savers, combine smaller pension pots, and create bigger and better pension funds.
    • These measures will drive costs down and returns up on workers’ retirement savings – putting more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    Millions of people planning their retirement will find it easier to manage and get more from their pension pots thanks to the new Pension Schemes Bill introduced today [Thursday 5 June].

    The Bill is designed to support working people plan for their retirement by making pensions simpler to understand, easier to manage, and drive better value over the long term – delivering on the Plan for Change to put more money into people’s pockets.

    One of its biggest benefits is the merging of small pension pots. Many people build up several small pensions as they move between jobs, and these can be hard to keep track of. The new rules will bring these pots together, helping savers see their full pension picture in one place.

    The Bill also introduces a new system to show how well pension schemes are performing, this will help savers understand whether their scheme is giving them good value and protect them from getting stuck in underperforming schemes for years on end, to help working people feel more secure about their retirement savings.

    For those approaching retirement, the Bill will require schemes to offer clear default options for turning savings into a retirement income. This means people will have clearer, more secure routes to decide how they use their pension money over time.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    Hardworking people across the UK deserve their pensions to work as hard for them as they have worked to save, and our reforms will deliver a huge boost to future generations of pensioners.

    The Bill is about securing better value for savers’ pensions and driving long-term investment in British businesses to boost economic growth in our country.

    As part of our Plan for Change we’re helping people find work, stay in work, and ensuring that work pays them back to give them the secure income in retirement they deserve.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The Bill is a game changer, delivering bigger pension pots for savers and driving £50 billion of investment directly into the UK economy– putting more money into people’s pockets through the Plan for Change.

    The Bill will transform the £2 trillion pensions landscape to ensure savers get good returns for each pound they save, and drive investment into the economy, through a suite of measures, including:

    • Requiring DC schemes to prove they are value for money, to protect savers from getting stuck in underperforming schemes.
    • Simplifying retirement choices, with all pension schemes offering default routes to an income in retirement.
    • Bringing together small pension pots worth £1,000 or less into one pension scheme that is certified as delivering good value to savers, making pension saving less hassle and more rewarding.
    • New rules creating multi-employer DC scheme “megafunds” of at least £25 billion, so that bigger and better pension schemes can drive down costs and invest in a wider range of assets.
    • Consolidating and professionalising the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), with assets held in six pools that can invest in local areas infrastructure, housing and clean energy.
    • Increased flexibility for Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes to safely release surplus worth collectively £160 billion, to support employers’ investment plans and to benefit scheme members.

    Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:

    We are ramping up the pace of pensions reform. Workers deserve to get better bang for each buck saved, and these sweeping reforms will make sure they do.

    Pension saving is a long game, but getting this right is urgent so that millions can look forward to a higher income in retirement.

    The Pension Schemes Bill is part of this Government’s significant pension reform agenda. It follows the major consolidation of the UK pension system set out in the Pension Investment Review.

    Today’s legislation will create a more efficient, resilient pension landscape, and lay the foundation for the upcoming Pensions Review to examine outcomes for pensioners and set out how to develop a fair and sustainable pensions system, ultimately benefiting both individual savers and the broader UK economy.

    Andy Briggs, CEO, Phoenix Group said:

    The Bill sets a clear direction for the future of pensions with the emphasis on building scale and ensuring savers receive value for money. People across the country will feel the impact of these changes with plans to consolidate small pots, ensure the dashboard delivers and provide default retirement income options at the point of retirement. Individually these initiatives would be significant but in combination they have the potential make a significant difference to people’s retirement across the UK and we look forward to working through the detail with government and other stakeholders.

    Patrick Heath-Lay, Chief Executive, People’s Partnership said:

    This is a pivotal moment in pension reform. The Bill contains many measures that will require providers to deliver better outcomes for savers and improve the workplace pension system.

    Ian Cornelius, CEO, NEST said:

    At Nest, everything we do is with our members’ best interests at heart. We believe that large, well-governed schemes can drive great outcomes for their members by using their scale and expertise to diversify where money is invested, and gain access to attractive investment opportunities not available to smaller investors at low cost. I am proud of how Nest has used its scale to invest on behalf of our members, developing sophisticated investment opportunities which generate great risk adjusted returns, and play a role in supporting communities in the UK. We welcome this new Pension Schemes Bill, and the invitation it sends to keep innovating in the best interests of UK savers.

    Nausicaa Delfas, Chief Executive, The Pensions Regulator (TPR) said:

    The Pension Schemes Bill is a once in a generation opportunity to address unfinished business in the UK pension system. Making sure all schemes are focused on delivering value for money, helping to stop small, and often forgotten pension pots forming, and guiding savers towards the right retirement products for them, will mean savers benefit from a system fit for the future. We have long advocated for fewer, larger well-run schemes with the size and skill to deliver better outcomes for savers. As such we are also pleased to see the proposed legislative framework for DB superfunds, providing options and choice in defined benefit consolidation.

    Michelle Ostermann, Chief Executive, Pension Protection Fund (PPF) said:

    We welcome the introduction of this important Bill, especially the measures which would give the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) greater flexibility to reduce the levy, enable PPF and Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) member data to be made available for pension dashboards, and better support members with a terminal illness. We will support the government and policy makers as the Bill progresses so we can achieve the best outcomes for all our stakeholders.

    Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Which? said:

    Pensions have become far too complex and fragmented, so it’s good to see the government taking steps to simplify them and ensure schemes provide value for money. Which? has campaigned for years for the consolidation of small pots, so we are delighted that this Bill is seeking to do just that – a move that will provide greater value for savers and support them to keep track of their pensions. “Which? looks forward to working with the government to ensure the pensions system is fit for the future.”

    Jamie Jenkins, Policy Director, Royal London said:

    The Pension Schemes Bill brings together several initiatives aimed at improving the pensions landscape for savers. While there are still many details to work through, this hopefully marks the start of a long-term strategic plan for pensions.

    Patrick Luthi, CEO, NOW:Pensions said:

    NOW:Pensions have been campaigning on small pots for a number of years, and we are pleased to see measures to deliver on the ‘multiple default consolidator’ solution included.  We look forward to seeing the details which will be crucial to supporting members in an efficient way

    Further Information

    • To build scale in the pensions industry and stimulate UK investment, the Pension Schemes Bill will:
    • Require multi-employer Defined Contribution schemes, unless exempt, to have at least £25 billion of assets in their main default arrangement by 2030 or be on route to achieving that scale by 2035 through having £10 billion in their main default.
    • Allow trustees of well-funded Defined Benefit pension schemes to release money back to employers and their scheme members, when safe to do so, unlocking some of the £160 billion surplus funds to be reinvested across the UK economy and boost business productivity and deliver for members.
    • Legislate for Defined Benefit pension scheme superfunds to encourage growth of the superfund market and underpin the security of members’ benefits
    • Remove the restrictions that prevent the Board of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) from reducing the annual pension protection levy it collects, when it is not required – allowing the PPF to collect less from businesses up and down the country
    • Extend the definition of ‘terminal illness’ in the Pension Protection Fund and Financial Assistance Scheme legislation, so that eligible members who are diagnosed as terminally ill can receive payments at an earlier stage of their illness.
    • To ensure better outcomes for savers, the Pension Schemes Bill will:
    • Introduce a Value for Money framework to enable a shift in focus from cost towards value and protect savers from becoming stuck in underperforming arrangements for extended periods.
    • Implement Default Pension Benefit Solutions which will mean savers will still have the options available to them through pension freedoms, but they will get an extra offer of support – through being enrolled into default solution(s) – which could include CDC provision, and they can take this or make their own choices.
    • Authorise providers to act as a consolidator scheme which will see members pots automatically transferred to their largest pot. This will also aid the building of scale with pots worth £1,000 or less consolidated into a small number of large, good value schemes.
    • Support the introduction of pensions dashboards to improve engagement by providing users with their whole pensions picture, including workplace and state pensions, securely and all in one place online. By providing this comprehensive overview of retirement savings, pensions dashboards will address key barriers to engagement, such as information fragmentation and lack of visibility.
    • Facilitate PPF and FAS information to be displayed on the Government-backed pensions dashboard service provided by the Money and Pensions Service.
    • The Competent Court measure in the Bill will also re-establish the legal standing of The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) to make enforceable determinations in pensions overpayment recoupment cases without requiring a county court judge’s order, leading to quicker customer journeys and shorter waiting times.
  • NEWS STORY : Government Kicks Off Largest Overhaul of Jobcentres in Decades

    NEWS STORY : Government Kicks Off Largest Overhaul of Jobcentres in Decades

    STORY

    The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) today launched what Ministers are calling the biggest reform of Jobcentres in decades, with the first of several new “jobs and careers service” pilots opening in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The “Pathfinder” initiative promises to move away from a centralised, one-size-fits-all model and give local areas greater say in designing tailored support to help people back into work. Under the new approach, Wakefield’s Jobcentre will introduce a range of innovations aimed at breaking down barriers between jobseekers and employers. As of yesterday, DWP staff began trialling a “Coaching Academy” to provide specialised training for advisers, helping them offer more personalised guidance. Alongside this, the centre held a careers event focused on West Yorkshire’s growing creative sector, drawing participation from local employers such as Production Park, known for hosting Netflix productions.

    “The old tick-box approach simply doesn’t work for people trying to build a better life,” said Employment Minister Alison McGovern. “By involving local leaders in Wakefield to co-design this service, we can ensure support truly reflects regional labour-market needs.”

    Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added that the reforms would give people “a better chance of landing a good job when they are treated with dignity and respect at a trusted local Jobcentre.” West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Council have together committed almost £40 million to expand employment support, including initiatives that link health services with job coaching.

    The Wakefield pilot is the first of several Pathfinders planned for launch later this year, with others targeting groups such as young people and individuals with health conditions. In each area, DWP officials will test ideas ranging from digital “hubs” where any resident—whether receiving benefits or not—can access employment advice, to events that match local talent to high-growth sectors. Ministers say the move is a core part of the government’s “Get Britain Working” agenda. Alongside boosting the National Living Wage and tightening workplace protections through the Employment Rights Bill, the new Jobcentre strategy aims to deliver more secure, well-paid jobs and improve living standards.

    Local employers have welcomed the more collaborative approach. According to a recent DWP survey, only 9 percent of businesses currently recruit through Jobcentres; officials hope that regular sector-focused events and deeper partnerships with colleges and training providers will raise that figure and connect jobseekers with vacancies more quickly. Full roll-out of the new model across England is expected by late 2026, once lessons from Wakefield and subsequent pilots have been evaluated. In the meantime, communities in other regions are preparing to adopt similar locally-led strategies, with DWP guidance on developing bespoke “Get Britain Working plans” already published.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Biggest shake-up of Jobcentres in decades gets underway [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Biggest shake-up of Jobcentres in decades gets underway [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 June 2025.

    Launch of a new, locally-led approach to jobseeker support begins in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

    • Jobs and careers service Pathfinder will test bold ideas including a new Coaching Academy and more personalised Jobcentre appointments.
    • Further Pathfinders to be rolled out across the country this year to break down barriers to opportunity and put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Jobseekers across the country are set to benefit from a groundbreaking new approach to the service Jobcentres provide. This will include a new Coaching Academy; careers events focused on local growth sectors and more personalised Jobcentre appointments.

    The jobs and careers service in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, yesterday (Wednesday 4 June 2025) became the first to trial the new scheme – marking the start of the biggest reform of Jobcentres in decades.

    The Jobcentre will test bold ideas to better work with employers, deliver services and get people into work. The reforms are aimed at involving local areas in the design of services and bring to an end a Whitehall-led, one-size-fits-all approach.

    Following the launch of the jobs and careers service Pathfinder in Wakefield, further Pathfinders will be rolled out across the country this year as the Government drives forward with its plan to Get Britain Working.

    This is a key part of the growth mission, as we help more people across the country into good, secure jobs so they can get on in life and fulfil their ambitions.

    Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said:

    Our one-size-fits-all, tick box approach to jobs support is outdated and does not serve those looking to better their lives through work.

    We are building a proper public employment service in partnership with local leaders that truly meets community challenges and unlocks opportunity.

    The launch of the Pathfinder in Wakefield is the first step in this transformation as we continue to Get Britain Working, boost living standards and put more money in people’s pockets, under our Plan for Change.

    The Pathfinder will look at new ways to support customers and how everyone, not just Jobcentre customers, can receive employment support. It is being co-designed with local leaders from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Local Authority.

    As part of this and in a direct response to insight that only 9% of employers currently recruit through Jobcentres, a series of careers events focused on local growth sectors will be delivered in Wakefield to match local talent with local opportunities.

    The first of these events took place during yesterday’s launch and focused on West Yorkshire’s thriving creative sector. It was attended by skills providers and local employers including Production Park – home to sets of Netflix series’ including Bank of Dave. Events to serve the local manufacturing and technology sectors will take place in the coming months and are open to all, not just Jobcentre customers.

    In addition to this tests of a new Get Britain Working ‘Coaching Academy’ to train up DWP staff will help ensure jobseekers receive improved support. Changes to appointments will also mean DWP services in Wakefield will provide more personalised support for claimants to help them move into stable, long-term work.

    Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

    People stand a better chance of landing a good job when they are treated with dignity and respect at a trusted local Jobcentre.

    These reforms will empower us to build on our West Yorkshire model of joining up employment support with health and employer-led services, to provide personalised support that gets people into work and puts more money in people’s pockets.

    Working with the government, we’re investing almost £40 million to help guarantee a healthy working life to everyone in our region, and as the test-bed for the new national Jobs and Careers Service, Wakefield will lead the way on transforming our welfare system to get Britain working.

    Wakefield will be the first city to test new ideas for the new jobs and careers service, ensuring that the service and its policies can be scaled up before being rolled out across the nation. Further Pathfinders, including ones that are focused on support for young people and those with health conditions will be launched later this year.

    The Jobs and Careers Service Pathfinder builds on wider investment in West Yorkshire, including £18 million for an inactivity trailblazer and an NHS Accelerator. The inactivity trailblazer launched in April, to boost employment in areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity, as the government gets Britain back to health and back to work. The NHS Accelerator will help to prevent people from falling out of work completely due to ill health.

    The Pathfinder comes as the government continues to drive to Get Britain Working through boosting the National Living Wage, creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill and delivering a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either learning or earning.

    Further Information

    • Key findings from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 2024 Employer Survey: DWP Employer Survey 2024 – GOV.UK
    • The local Get Britain Working Plan guidance has been published: Guidance for Developing local Get Britain Working plans (England) – GOV.UK
    • The guidance will ensure all areas are working towards the government’s 80% employment ambition.
    • Employment support measures are fully transferred to Northern Ireland. Jobcentre Plus services is reserved in both Scotland and Wales, but the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government also deliver other forms of employment support. The funding announced in the Pathways to Work Green Paper is UK wide, the share of funding for devolved Governments will be calculated in the usual way.
    • The UK Government also plans to establish new governance arrangements with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to help frame discussions around the reform of Jobcentres and agree how best to work in partnership on shared employment ambition across devolved and reserved provision.
  • NEWS STORY : Government Expands Free School Meals to Over Half a Million Additional Children

    NEWS STORY : Government Expands Free School Meals to Over Half a Million Additional Children

    STORY

    In a move aimed at tackling child poverty and ensuring every pupil can focus on learning rather than hunger, the Government today announced that from the start of the 2026 school year, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals. The expansion is expected to deliver a free, nutritious lunch to more than 500,000 additional pupils, putting roughly £500 back into parents’ pockets each year and lifting an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty.

    Until now, eligibility for free school meals was restricted to families earning less than £7,400 per year. Under the new scheme, any family on Universal Credit, regardless of exact income, will benefit. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the policy as “a moral mission” of the government’s Plan for Change, emphasising that “background shouldn’t mean destiny.” She added that providing a reliable, healthy meal at school not only eases the burden on struggling families but also “leads to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes” for pupils.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the expansion, stating that “feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents’ pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn.” He acknowledged that many working parents face impossible choices between paying bills and putting food on the table, noting that the new entitlement will help break that cycle.

    Child poverty campaigners hailed the announcement as a long-overdue milestone. Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, remarked that ensuring children arrive in class well-fed is “a significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom” and could boost educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Kate Anstey, head of education policy at the Child Poverty Action Group, went further, calling it “fantastic news and a game-changer” that will give thousands of families “a bit of breathing space.”

    To support the initiative, the government is also pledging more than £13 million to 12 food charities across England. These funds will underpin the Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme, which redistributes fresh produce directly from farms to communities in need, aiming to cut food waste and feed children who might otherwise go without. In parallel, the Department for Education is working with nutrition experts to update the School Food Standards, ensuring that future meals meet the latest guidance on healthy eating.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall underscored the broader welfare context, highlighting that from April 2026, most households will receive an above-inflation boost to their Universal Credit payment, a key plank in the government’s package to lift “a moral scar on our society.” She stressed that this expansion of free school meals is one part of a wider strategy, which includes raising the minimum wage and capping deductions from benefits to ease the cost-of-living squeeze on low-income families.

    Local authorities and headteachers have been urged to prepare for the change by early 2026. Schools will be asked to verify eligibility using families’ National Insurance Numbers, and most are expected to open applications well before the new academic year begins. Meanwhile, existing pupil premium and home-to-school transport funding will continue unaffected, ensuring that schools do not face sudden budget shortfalls as more children become entitled to free meals.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Over half a million more children to get free school meals [June 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over half a million more children to get free school meals [June 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 4 June 2025.

    New entitlement to free school meals for all children in household on Universal Credit.

    Over half a million more children will benefit from a free nutritious meal every school day, as the government puts £500 back into parents’ pockets every year by expanding eligibility for free school meals.

    From the start of the 2026 school year, every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit will have a new entitlement to free school meals. This will make life easier and more affordable for parents who struggle the most, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity and give children the best start in life.

    The unprecedented expansion will lift 100,000 children across England completely out of poverty. Giving children access to a nutritious meal during the school day also leads to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes – meaning they get the best possible education and chance to succeed in work and life.

    Since 2018, children have only been eligible for free school meals if their household income is less than £7,400 per year, meaning hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty have been unable to access free school meals.

    The government’s historic new expansion to those on Universal Credit will change this and comes ahead of the Child Poverty Taskforce publishing its ten-year strategy to drive sustainable change later this year. It comes on top of targeted support for families being hit the hardest with the cost-of-living crisis, with urgent action including raising the national minimum wage, uprating benefits and supporting 700,000 families through the Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    Working parents across the country are working tirelessly to provide for their families but are being held back by cost-of-living pressures.

    My government is taking action to ease those pressures. Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents’ pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn.

    This expansion is a truly historic moment for our country, helping families who need it most and delivering our Plan for Change to give every child, no matter their background, the same chance to succeed.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    It is the moral mission of this government to tackle the stain of child poverty, and today this government takes a giant step towards ending it with targeted support that puts money back in parents’ pockets.

    From free school meals to free breakfast clubs, breaking the cycle of child poverty is at the heart of our Plan for Change to cut the unfair link between background and success.

    We believe that background shouldn’t mean destiny. Today’s historic step will help us to deliver excellence everywhere, for every child and give more young people the chance to get on in life.

    The Government is also offering more than £13 million in funding to 12 food charities across England to redistribute thousands of tonnes of fresh produce directly from farms to fight food poverty in communities.

    The Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme is helping farms and organisations to work collaboratively to ensure edible food that might have been left in fields instead ends up on the plates of those who need it, including schoolchildren.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    Poverty robs children of opportunities and damages their future prospects. This is a moral scar on our society we are committed to tackling.

    By expanding Free School Meals to all families on Universal Credit, we’re ending the impossible choice thousands of our hardest grafting families must make between paying bills and feeding their children.

    This is just the latest step of our Plan for Change to put extra pounds in people’s pockets – a downpayment on our Child Poverty Strategy, building on our expansion of free breakfast clubs, our national minimum wage boost and our cap on Universal Credit deductions through the Fair Repayment Rate.

    To ensure quality and nutrition in meals for the future, the government is also acting quickly with experts across the sector to revise the School Food Standards, so every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance.

    This new entitlement will apply to children in all settings where free school meals are currently delivered, including schools, school-based nurseries and Further Education settings. We expect the majority of schools will allow parents to apply before the start of the school year 2026, by providing their National Insurance Number to check their eligibility.

    Schools and local authorities will continue to receive pupil premium and home to school transport extended rights funding based on the existing free school meals threshold.

    This is just the latest step in the government’s Plan for Change to break the unfair link between background and opportunity, including rolling out free breakfast clubs, expanding government-funded childcare to 30 hours a week for working parents and commitment to cap the number of branded school uniform items.

    Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, said:

    This is a significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom. Children can’t learn effectively when hungry, so this announcement not only helps to tackle the effects of child poverty, but will also likely help improve education outcomes for disadvantaged young people.

    Giving free school meals to all families who are eligible for Universal Credit is also easier for parents to understand, so has the potential to increase take up rates. This is an important milestone in delivering on the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

    Kate Anstey, head of education policy at Child Poverty Action Group said:

    This is fantastic news and a game-changer for children and families.

    At last more kids will get the food they need to learn and thrive and millions of parents struggling to make ends meet will get a bit of breathing space.

    We hope this is a sign of what’s to come in autumn’s child poverty strategy, with government taking more action to meet its manifesto commitment to reduce child poverty in the UK.

    From April 2026 until the end of parliament, millions of households are set to receive a permanent yearly above inflation boost to Universal Credit. The increase, a key element of the Government’s welfare reforms to be laid before Parliament, will tackle the destitution caused by years of inaction that has left the value of the standard allowance at a 40 year low by the early 2020s.

  • NEWS STORY : Trump Throws Tantrum as Elon Musk Calls on President to be Impeached

    NEWS STORY : Trump Throws Tantrum as Elon Musk Calls on President to be Impeached

    STORY

    What began as a cordial alliance between two of America’s most outspoken figures has erupted into a full-blown public feud this week. In a series of increasingly personal attacks, former President Donald Trump and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk traded barbs over policy, politics and past allegiances prompting White House aides to arrange a high-stakes conference call aimed at halting further escalation. The dispute first surfaced on Thursday when Trump, ostensibly irked by Musk’s criticism of his sprawling “One Big Beautiful Bill” tax and spending package, warned via Truth Social that he might cancel all federal contracts with Musk’s companies. Within hours, Musk retaliated on X (formerly Twitter) arguing that the former president would have lost the 2024 election if not for Musk’s financial backing and public endorsements.

    Trump’s threat to sever government contracts came alongside pointed remarks about Musk supposedly inflating prices and “acting unstable.” Trump insisted that axing agreements with Tesla and SpaceX could lock in substantial savings for beleaguered taxpayers and Musk fired back by suggesting he might decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. At the heart of the dispute lies deep mistrust over fiscal policy and Musk lambasted the “One Big Beautiful Bill” for hiking the deficit by an estimated $3 trillion and stripping electric-vehicle subsidies, warning on X that new tariffs championed by Trump “will cause a US recession by late 2025.”

    By Friday morning, administration insiders say that White House aides quietly arranged a call between Musk and senior Trump advisers in hopes of cooling tempers before the standoff threatened even broader economic fallout. Aides worry that if Musk follows through on withdrawing Dragon spacecraft services, NASA will face severe delays in crew rotations and supply runs to the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Tesla’s share price, which plunged by over 20 percent in a single session on the news, rebounded as traders anticipated a possible detente.